Caprese Rice Salad

Yields: 8 servings | 4 pts per serving

My rating:

This is outstanding! Using brown basmati rice gives it a really nice flavor. This dish makes for a great lunch or light dinner, or even a tasty side-dish for a party. Special thanks to Weight Watchers for another awesome recipe!!

Ingredients:

3 tsp olive oil, separated
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup basil, fresh, chopped (must be fresh)
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half, if preferred
6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (whole milk), cut into chunks
3/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 small onion(s), chopped
1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice

Directions:

In a large serving bowl, combine (2) tablespoons of olive oil, vinegar, basil, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, salt and pepper. Set aside and allow to marinate while rice cooks.

To cook rice: Heat remaining (1) teaspoon olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add rice and 1 3/4 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Toss rice with tomato mixture; serve warm or at room temperature.

Flavor Booster: Substitute basmati rice for jasmine rice and give this salad a nutty flavor. Rich-tasting hazelnut oil can replace the olive oil, and a light dusting of finely chopped hazelnuts completes the transformation. (Adds extra points)

Yields 8 servings (about 3/4 heaping cup per serving)

Nutritional Info: (per serving) 171 calories, 11 g. fat, 1.2 g. fiber (4 points per serving)

Source: Weightwatchers.com